C4D208 – Python Scripting in Cinema 4D

On May 25, 2021

Release date:2012, July 17

Author:Michael Auerswald

Skill level:Beginner

Language:English

Exercise files:Yes

In this course we will cover the various ways that Python has been integrated into Cinema 4D since the release of R12 and R13. Professor Michael Auerswald will look at its features from both an artist’s and a TD’s point of view, using hands-on examples. Those that will make use of the Python Generator object, Python effectors, Xpresso nodes and Expression Editor. We’ll also look at more advanced topics like writing your own plugins.

Once you get used to writing your own scripts, you will be able to build your own tools, automate those annoying repetetive tasks and simply make your work much more productive.

Of course, since this is a Python based course, it will involve some programming. Python itself is a rather easy language to learn so even if you are not familiar with it yet, as long as you have some basic programming knowledge, you should be able to follow along just fine. Plus, since Python is now the de facto standard for scripting languages in the vfx industry, this will definitely be worth the effort.

We will be working with the release, R13 Studio, in this course however, most things will work the same in the previous R12 release. As of June 2012, Maxon has released a Student Version of R13 that has most of the Studio version’s features, so it should work just fine for this course as well.

Michael Auerswald is a freelance 3D artist and TD from Berlin, Germany. He’s a regular at 908video and also works as a TD for Pixomondo. He studied computer sciences and character animation, but moved into the motion graphics and vfx business instead. His tool of choice is Cinema 4D, but he also has a secret love for Houdini. Oh, and he also has a law degree from way back, but don’t hold that against him.

Table of Contents

CLASS 1: SETTING UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT FOR PYTHON DEVELOPMENT
We deal with setting up your environment for Python development, and how and where to find information on the SDK. It also contains an overview of Python in Cinema 4D. The second half is all about creating the first Python scripts to modify and animate objects, through a simple user interface. The files contain the fully documented code of that script.
CLASS 2: PYTHON GENERATOR OBJECT
We use the Python Generator object to generate new objects from scratch and modify their points. We’ll also learn how to convert primitives to polygon objects and how to send modeling commands to Cinema 4D.
CLASS 3: MOGRAPH MODULE’S PYTHON EFFECTOR
We check out the two modes of the MoGraph module’s Python Effector and how to use them to modify the attributes of specific clones.
CLASS 4: PYTHON SCRIPTS STRAIGHT FROM THE EXPRESSION EDITO
We will be running some Python scripts straight from the Expression Editor and will get an idea of how to use Python for pipeline purposes, for example to send data to a render farm.
CLASS 5: THINKING PARTICLES
Thinking Particles. We’ll create a customer emitter in Python, then use Python again within an Xpresso script to dynamically modify particles inside a simulation.
CLASS 6: TRACKS, CURVES AND KEYS
Tracks, Curves and Keys, how to read them and set them to create animation keys and transfer them between objects.
CLASS 7: COMMANDDATA PLUGIN
Plugins Part 1 – General setup and starting with a CommandData plugin.
CLASS 8: COMMANDDATA PLUGIN AND ITS GUI
Plugins Part 2 – Finishing the CommandData plugin and its GUI.
CLASS 9: OOL AND OBJECT PLUGIN
Plugins Part 3 – we’re creating a Tool and Object plugin.
CLASS 10: EXTERNAL DATA
External Data – part one deals with reading data from an XML file and passing it on to an object, part two will deal with live data, from a different application, read over the network using the OSC protocol.